But the city of Pueblo says the Springs' gain is their loss--Pueblo Fire Chief Christopher Riley has confirmed that the Springs job has been offered to him. Riley says he will accept it pending confirmation by the Colorado Springs City Council.

In a statement released Monday, Riley expressed the mixed emotions he feels about his next step:

“I am excited and deeply honored to accept the offer of an extraordinary career opportunity from Colorado Springs Mayor Stephen Bach to become Fire Chief pending confirmation by Colorado Springs City Council.

"I am, however, experiencing a degree of mixed emotions in accepting this new challenge as I leave behind the great city of Pueblo and an exceptional organization that is the City of Pueblo Fire Department, of which I have proudly called home for the last seven years.

Riley has been the Pueblo fire chief for seven years. The city says that the fire department has made "significant strides" with Riley at the helm.

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